Showing 1 - 7 of 7
Asean's charm offensive in full swing
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 05/08/2025
» In what can only be described as a stunning diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump has personally confirmed his attendance at the 47th Asean-related summits on Oct 26-28 in Kuala Lumpur. His early commitment made directly to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim breaks with protocol and represents a rare gesture of goodwill toward Asean.
Thais hedge bets on international stage
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 04/06/2024
» Thailand's decision last week to apply for full Brics membership came as a shock to Western allies and friends, not least because it followed a positive assessment by the Special Session of the OECD Council (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) after Thailand filed a letter of intent to join the OECD In February.
Myanmar's crisis and emerging traps
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 01/02/2022
» Today is the first anniversary of the Feb 1 seizure of power by the Tatmadaw in Nay Pyi Taw. Over the past 12 months, the overall situation in Myanmar has gone into a downward spiral and all the progress and positive developments made since 2011, when the country proudly opened up, have gone into the dustbin.
Cambodia's chair: trust and tasks ahead
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 18/01/2022
» Cambodia's reputation in regional and international affairs has long preceded Prime Minister Hun Sen's recent trip to Myanmar. Indeed, to be fair, the two-day visit was an ice breaker to create much-needed space for all the Asean 10 to get together once again.
Vietnam's homework before Nha Trang
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/01/2020
» The latest development in the Middle East and the status of President Donald Trump's invitation for a special summit with Asean leaders in the US will top the agenda of the first foreign ministers' retreat in Nha Trang this week.
National strategy the key to continuity
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 23/07/2019
» Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's civilian government will be the first Thai government that will not have a "honeymoon" period. From the start, his government's performance will be monitored and judged without any sympathy by opposition parties, political pundits, and the media. With political doyen Chuan Leekpai serving as House speaker, all politicians should be held accountable for their policies and positions.
Two Koreas saga: Keep your fingers crossed
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 20/03/2018
» When the two leaders from Korea meet in Panmunjom later next month, new histories of East Asia will be narrated and written. North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un will travel from Pyongyang to the demilitarised zone at Panmunjom. His car will pass the Panmon Gak on the northern side and proceed to cross the DMZ line to the Peace House (Pyeonghwa jib) a few metres away southward. With South Korean President Moon Jae-in waiting there, he will greet his younger counterpart once he arrives with a big smile. Before the two shake hands, Mr Kim will by then have already made history as the first North Korean leader to step foot on South Korea since the war ended in 1953.